Exploring miRNA Biomarkers in Major Depressive Disorder: A Molecular Medicine Perspective.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a complex mental health condition with a multifaceted and incompletely elucidated pathophysiology. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as potential biomarkers due to their role in gene regulation and the observed dysregulation in MDD. The aim of this study is to detect the presence of specific molecular diagnostic biomarkers in major depressive disorder. This cross-sectional study analyzed plasma miRNA expression in ten MDD patients and eight healthy controls using real-time PCR. Differentially expressed miRNAs were identified using independent t-tests, and their diagnostic potential was assessed with ROC curve analysis. Fifteen miRNAs exhibited significant dysregulation in MDD patients. Notably, hsa-miR-29c-3p, hsa-miR-376a-3p, hsa-miR-532-5p, and hsa-miR-339-5p showed excellent discriminatory power (AUC > 0.8). This study identifies differentially expressed plasma miRNAs in MDD, suggesting their potential for improved diagnosis and personalized treatment. However, further validation in larger cohorts and investigation into their functional roles are warranted.

From Jane Doe to Sofia: DNA Extraction Protocol from Bones and Teeth without Liquid Nitrogen for Identifying Skeletal Remains.

DNA analysis plays a crucial role in forensic investigations, helping in criminal cases, missing persons inquiries, and archaeological research. This study focuses on the DNA concentration in different skeletal elements to improve human identification efforts. Ten cases of unidentified skeletal remains brought to the Institute of Forensic Medicine in Timisoara, Romania, underwent DNA analysis between 2019 and 2023. The results showed that teeth are the best source for DNA extraction as they contain the highest concentration of genetic material, at 3.68 ng/µL, compared to the petrous temporal bone (0.936 ng/µL) and femur bone (0.633 ng/µL). These findings highlight the significance of teeth in forensic contexts due to their abundant genetic material. Combining anthropological examination with DNA analysis enhances the understanding and precision of identifying human skeletal remains, thus advancing forensic science. Selecting specific skeletal elements, such as the cochlea or teeth, emerges as crucial for reliable genetic analyses, emphasizing the importance of careful consideration in forensic identification procedures. Our study concludes that automated DNA extraction protocols without liquid nitrogen represent a significant advancement in DNA extraction technology, providing a faster, more efficient, and less labor-intensive method for extracting high-quality DNA from damaged bone and tooth samples.

Molecular Testing of SARS-CoV-2 Infection from Blood Samples in Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) and Elevated D-Dimer Levels.

BACKGROUND: In 2020, the SARS-CoV-2 virus spread worldwide and infected more that 10 million people, causing more than 500,000 deaths worldwide. The infection has systemic effects on the respiratory and cardiovascular systems; thus, patients can present a variety of symptoms from asymptomatic to rapid deaths. In this paper, we present the first case of post-mortem SARS-CoV-2 molecular testing in Western part of Romania in a deceased with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and elevated D-dimer levels. METHODS: During the autopsy which took place at the Institute of Forensic Medicine from Timisoara, Romania, blood sample was collected in a vacutainer with EDTA and sent to the Laboratory of Forensic Genetics from Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania. Viral RNA extraction was performed automated on the Maxwell 48 RSC Extraction System (Promega, USA) using the Maxwell RSC Viral Total Nucleic Acid Purification kit (Promega, USA). After RNA extraction, the samples were amplified on a 7500 real-time PCR (Applied Biosystems, USA) using the genesig® Real-Time PCR Assay (Primer Design, UK). RESULTS: The molecular testing showed a cycle threshold value of 23.4 (1.2 x 106 copies/mL), indicating increased viral loads, which correlated with the laboratory analysis results, especially with D-dimer levels. CONCLUSIONS: In cases of coagulopathy of SARS-CoV-2, patients in hospitals should be monitored closely for thrombosis development. Thus D-dimer can be used as prognostic marker in monitoring the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients.

A Rare Variant of the Great Cardiac Vein Draining Directly into the Superior Vena Cava.

OBJECTIVE: A routine dissection of the cadaver of a 67-year-old man revealed a very rare morphological variant of the great cardiac vein (GCV). PRESENTATION: The vein originated in the upper third of the anterior interventricular sulcus, crossed the anterior interventricular artery superficially, ran beneath the circumflex artery, crossed the transverse pericardial sinus, and drained directly into the superior vena cava. CONCLUSION: This variant of the GCV is interesting due to its rarity. It is important to know about it for procedures that require venous access such as coronary surgery requiring retrograde cardioplegia, surgical ablation of aberrant conducting pathways, pacemaker insertion, and valve surgery.

A Review of Histological Techniques for Differentiating Human Bone from Animal Bone.

The first step in anthropological study is the positive identification of human remains, which can be a challenging undertaking when bones are broken. When bone pieces from different species are mixed together, it can be crucial to distinguish between them in forensic and archaeological contexts. For years, anthropology and archaeology have employed the histomorphological analysis of bones to evaluate species-specific variations. Based on variations in the dimensions and configuration of Haversian systems between the two groups, these techniques have been devised to distinguish between non-human and human bones. All of those techniques concentrate on a very particular kind of bone, zone, and segment. Histomorphometric techniques make the assumption that there are size, form, and quantity variations between non-humans and humans. The structural components of Haversian bones are significant enough to use discriminant function analysis to separate one from the other. This review proposes a comprehensive literature analysis of the various strategies or techniques available for distinguishing human from non-human bones to demonstrate that histomorphological analysis is the most effective method to be used in the case of inadequate or compromised samples.

Sex Determination via the Second Cervical Vertebra and Odontoid Process: A Case Report and a Review of the Literature.

Determining an individual's sex is crucial in several fields, such as forensic anthropology, archaeology, and medicine. Accurate sex estimation, alongside the estimation of age at death, stature, and ancestry, is of paramount importance for creating a biological profile. This profile helps narrow the potential pool of missing persons and aids identification. Our research focuses on the second cervical vertebra and odontoid process, which is particularly valuable due to their high sexual dimorphism. This brief research is structured as follows: we provide an overview of morphometric analysis of the second cervical vertebra for accurate sex estimation in forensic anthropology. We then delve into a case report to explore sexual dimorphism of the C2 vertebrae. Moreover, we discuss some of these studies that showed a significant correlation between the dimensions of the second cervical vertebrae and height, suggesting that the C2 can be used as a reliable indicator for stature estimation. The high accuracy rate of sex estimation using the second cervical vertebrae suggests that this method is a valuable tool for forensic anthropologists. Its practical application can significantly contribute to identifying and profiling individuals in a forensic context, thereby aiding in the identification process.

Mucin-Producing Lobular Breast Carcinoma Metastasis to an Ovarian Fibroma: Histopathological and Immunohistochemical Analysis of a Rare Case and Literature Review.

Breast cancer stands as the primary cause of cancer-related mortality among women worldwide, often presenting with distant metastases upon diagnosis. Ovarian metastases originating from breast cancer represent a range of 3-30% of all ovarian neoplasms. Case Report: Herein, we present the histopathological, histochemical, and immunohistochemical findings of a rare case involving mucin-producing lobular breast carcinoma metastasizing to an ovarian fibroma in an 82-year-old female previously diagnosed with lobular breast carcinoma. Histopathological examination of the excised tissues revealed a biphasic neoplasm characterized by tumor cells expressing AE-1/AE-3 cytokeratin, mammaglobin, GCDFP-15, inhibin, and calretinin. Positive mucin staining was observed using histochemical techniques, and reticulin fibers were demonstrated using the Gordon-Sweets technique. A final diagnosis of mucin-producing lobular breast carcinoma metastatic to a benign ovarian fibroma was rendered. Conclusion: The occurrence of metastatic breast carcinoma overlaid on an ovarian tumor represents a rare and diagnostically challenging scenario.

Double Anterior Interventricular Arteries: Prevalence and Morphological Types-A Dissection Study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of double anterior interventricular artery using the dissection method. METODE: A retrospective study was conducted between 2010 and 2024 at the Anatomy and Embryology Laboratory of the Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Timisoara. Eighty cases were analyzed for morphological variants of the coronary arteries, especially the anterior interventricular artery. RESULTS: Two cases of double anterior interventricular arteries were identified. In the first case, the two anterior interventricular arteries originated from the anterior interventricular branch of the left coronary artery. In the second case, an additional anterior interventricular artery with an aortic origin was found running along the lower third of the two interventricular grooves. This shape has not been described before in the specialized literature. CONCLUSIONS: Knowing the potential variations of the double left anterior descending artery is critical for interpreting cardiac imaging and choosing and planning percutaneous and surgical reperfusion strategies.

Identification of Specific Plasma miRNAs as Potential Biomarkers for Major Depressive Disorder.

BACKROUND: Depression is a significant concern in clinical and preclinical psychoneurobiological sciences due to its high prevalence and its individual and collective consequences. Identifying efficient biomarkers for accurate diagnosis is crucial, with ideal biomarkers having detectable serum levels and conformational and thermal stability. This study aims to identify stable plasma biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of major depressive disorder, as the pathogenesis of the disorder remains incompletely understood, affecting diagnosis accuracy. METHODS: Thus, this study included ten MDD patients and eight healthy controls. The present work analyzed miRNAs in patients with major depressive disorder compared to healthy controls. RESULTS: Eleven specific miRNAs, particularly hsa-miR-874-3p; hsa-let-7d-5p; and hsa-miR-93-3p showed upregulation-type plasma variations in the group of patients with major depressive disorder. miRNA functionality is linked to depressive pathophysiology. CONCLUSIONS: This study identifies a "bouquet" of miRNAs with significant upregulation variations in patients with major depressive disorder, suggesting further research to determine their suitability for personalization and evaluation, ultimately becoming integral components of major depression serological evaluations.

Rare variant of renal vascularization with bilateral multiple pedicles and incomplete rotation - case report.

Renal blood vessels present great morphological variability. The routine dissection of a 68-year-old male cadaver revealed multiple bilateral vascular variations associated with the incomplete rotation of both kidneys. The left kidney was supplied by three renal arteries: one superior artery and one middle artery with hilum penetration, and one inferior artery with inferior polar penetration. All three arteries arose from the aorta: two from the anterior side at levels L1 and L3, and one - the inferior artery - from the posterior side of the aorta, as a common trunk with the middle sacral artery. The right kidney had two arteries, both arising from the aorta. The superior renal artery, arising at level L1, entered the renal parenchyma at the hilum; the inferior artery, arising at the point where the abdominal aorta branches in the two common iliac arteries, entered the parenchyma at the inferior pole. Each of the five arteries was accompanied by a vein. The (bilateral) superior renal veins and the middle left vein drained into the inferior vena cava. The two inferior renal veins joined to form a common trunk that drained into the left common iliac vein. Both kidneys presented incomplete rotation, each renal pelvis being situated anterior to the renal vessels, and the ureters descending on the anterior sides of the kidneys. The presence of several vascular pedicles may represent a contraindication in laparoscopic nephrectomy or cause severe bleeding if the pedicles are injured during endopyelotomy.

Rare variant of celiac trunk branching pattern associated with modifications of hepatic arterial vascularization.

The routine dissection of a male body revealed multiple anatomical variations of the celiac trunk and hepatic artery vascularization. The origin of the celiac trunk was on the left side of the abdominal aorta, next to the T12-L1 intervertebral disk. The celiac trunk gave off five branches: the left inferior phrenic artery, the left gastric artery, the accessory right hepatic artery, the common hepatic artery and the splenic artery (the last two arteries had a common origin in a hepatosplenic trunk). A right branch detached off the left gastric artery and anastomosed with the hepatic artery proper. The proper hepatic artery also anastomosed with the accessory right hepatic artery at the same level. Consequently, the entire hepatic arterial supply was from the celiac trunk - through two arteries directly and a third via the left gastric artery. The anatomical variant described in this case can be considered very rare. Thorough knowledge of such variants is important both for upper abdominal surgery and for imagistic and interventional radiology.

Study of the diameter and number of the pulmonary veins orifices.

The present study was made in the anatomy laboratory on 100 heart specimens. It was studied the morphological parameters about diameter and number of the atrial orifices of the pulmonary veins. The number of the orifices and their diameter depends on the lungs weight. Generally (70% of the cases) the orifices number is four and rarely three or five. An increased number of orifices are more frequently in the right side and a decreased number especially in the left side. The orifices diameter is much larger at the male's veins than the female's ones, and much larger in the right than the left side and also much larger at the superiors than the inferior veins.

Correlations between the colic branches of the mesenteric arteries and the vascular territories of the colon.

The study, done on 100 corpses from the dissection rooms of anatomy laboratory, hinted the morphological variability of the colic arteries and their territories. Morphological variability of the colic branches derived from the mesenteric arteries (superior right colic artery -- 98%; middle right colic artery -- 88%; inferior right colic artery -- 100%; middle colic artery - 36%; superior left colic artery -- 100%; middle left colic artery -- 50%; inferior left colic artery -- 100%) allows us to give out a morphogenetic supposition related their ramification and number. Analyze of the results guide us to a tentative of setting down the vascular territories of the colon. In the beginning were established the territories of the mesenteric arteries (superior and inferior) and after that, were marked the subterritories for each colic artery. Establishing the vascular territories of the colic arteries have not only anatomical importance but also a surgical one, been known the difficult postoperatory colon's revitalization.

Aspects referring to the morphological variability of the abdominal branches of pneumogastric nerve (nervus vagus).

Terminal part and the abdominal branches of pneumogastric nerve were and still is an up-to-date problem not only through the anatomic importance but also through its implications in surgical practice. The study was done on 50 corpses using the dissection method. We are looking after torsion variants of pneumogastric nerves around the esophagus, morphological variability of the periesophageal pnemogastric plexus among witch the pnemogastric nerves loose theirs individuality through the mixture and the anastomoses of the fibers and the morphological variability of abdominal branches of the nerve, grouped by us in anterior and posterior branches.

Morphological variability of arterial sources of the renal polar parenchyma and its clinical importance.

A sample of 250 kidneys (200 corrosion casts and 50 dissection pieces) provided the basis for the analysis of the number, source, origin point and parenchymal penetration of the arterial branches supplying the two renal poles. Of the studied pieces, 76.80% had a single renal artery, while 23.20% had multiple renal arteries. The superior pole had only one arterial source in 95.20% of cases, and the inferior pole had only one arterial source in 97.20% of cases. The arteries supplying the superior pole originated from one of the renal artery's branches in 59.60% of cases and from its' main trunk in 17.20% of cases. They were also found to originate from branches of the multiple renal arteries in 18% of cases and from the abdominal aorta (5.20% of cases - inferior polar arteries). The arteries supplying the inferior pole arose in similar fashion - from the single renal artery's trunk in 9.20% of cases; from its division branches in 66.40% of cases; from the abdominal aorta in 9.60% of cases and from branches of multiple renal arteries in 14.80% of cases. Familiarity with the renal arteries' morphological variability is becoming increasingly important, as new urologic surgical and radiological techniques develop.

Morphological variability of the renal artery branching pattern: a brief review and an anatomical study.

The segmental branches of the renal artery vary in number and origin. The 1998, Terminologia Anatomica homologates two branches of the renal artery (anterior, posterior) and five segmental arteries: four from the anterior branch and one from the posterior one. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the renal artery branching pattern, the number and origin of the segmental arteries, as well as to review data from similar studies. The study material consisted of 60 formalin-fixed adult kidneys. Dissections and microdissections were performed on the renal arteries and their branches. The branching of the renal artery was prehilar in 81.67% of cases, hilar in 10% and intra-sinusal in 8.33%. The number branches varied as follows: two branches in 42 cases (70%), three branches in 14 cases (23.33%) and four branches in four cases (6.67%). We subsequently analyzed the origin of the segmental arteries and found that in 53% of the cases the segmental arteries arose independently from the renal artery's branches, while in 47% of the cases they derived from common trunks of type I (85%) or II (15%). Type I trunks are those that originate directly from the main renal artery. They divide either into 2-3 segmental branches, or into just 1-2 branches and a smaller trunk (type II). The type II trunks further divide into 2-3 other segmental branches. These common trunks must be taken into account to avoid confusion with the segmental arteries. Knowledge of these variations is useful not only morphologically, but also clinically.

Anatomical variations of the hepatic portal vein associated with incomplete celiac trunk.

An association of two anatomical variations was revealed in a 65-year-old male cadaver: the first variation concerns the forming of the trunk of the hepatic portal vein, while the second concerns the branches of the celiac trunk. In this case, the inferior and superior mesenteric veins form a common trunk that is further united with the splenic vein and gives rise to the hepatic portal vein. At the same time, the existence of an incomplete (branched) celiac trunk was revealed, the hepatosplenic trunk from which the common hepatic artery and the splenic artery arise; the left gastric artery arises separately at 0.5 cm superolaterally from the origin of the celiac trunk. Familiarity with this anatomical variation provides useful information for abdominal surgery procedures.